Swimming banned at some South Shore beaches

Peak vacation time and perfect weather for the beach.

The problem however - eleven beaches on the South Shore, stretching from Quincy to Plymouth are closed due to high bacteria levels.

Swimming is not recommended at Wollaston Beach in Quincy, Kimball and Wampatuck Beaches in Hingham, Peggotty Beach in Scituate, a  beach in the Fieldston section of Marshfield, Landing Road and Shipyard Lane in Duxbury, and a section of Plymouth Beach and White Horse Beach in Plymouth.

Swimming in polluted water can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, ear, dermatological and flu-like symptoms. Most are minor, but some symptoms can be serious, according to the state Department of Public Health.

A similar problem shut down two beaches in New Bedford.

The New Bedford Health Department says high bacteria counts have forced the closure of fort Taber Park Beach areas including O'Toole, Squid Beach and Tower Beaches one and four.